South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has arrived in Japan for summit discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders are set to address various topics, including bilateral relations, regional and global issues, amidst tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
This visit to Nara Prefecture, Takaichi’s home prefecture, is part of reciprocal leader-level visits known as ‘shuttle diplomacy,’ aimed at maintaining the positive momentum in their improved relations. Lee’s visit marks his second trip to Japan, following his previous meeting with Takaichi’s predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, last August, and his third meeting with Takaichi since she assumed office in October.
Lee and Takaichi initially engaged in summit talks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju in late October. They briefly met again at the Group of 20 leaders’ gathering in South Africa in November. The meeting follows Lee’s recent state visit to China for discussions with President Xi Jinping, occurring amidst heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo due to remarks made by Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
In an interview with Japan’s NHK, Lee emphasized the significance of South Korea’s relations with Japan, stating that they are as crucial as relations with China. He clarified that Seoul would not interfere in the tensions between Japan and China over Taiwan. The agenda is also expected to include discussions on South Korea’s ban on seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures, imposed in 2013 over radiation concerns post the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Lee highlighted that easing the restrictions would require time to address public concerns. However, he acknowledged that this issue is a key item on Seoul’s diplomatic agenda, seeking Tokyo’s support for its bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The leaders are likely to touch upon North Korea, with both expressing interest in engaging Pyongyang, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Lee welcomed Takaichi’s willingness to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the abduction issue. He offered to facilitate dialogue between Tokyo and Pyongyang, aiming to assist in establishing diplomatic ties between the two nations. The agenda may also include historical matters, as the Lee administration pursues a ‘two-track’ approach focusing on future-oriented cooperation while addressing unresolved wartime history issues from Japan’s colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed optimism that the upcoming talks would enhance cooperation efforts to recover the remains of Korean forced laborers from the Chosei undersea coal mine in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture. The leaders are scheduled to participate in diplomatic events together, including a visit to Horyuji Temple, Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. Lee will also meet with the Korean community in Japan before returning home later in the day.
